Mary Wehner

Self-taught artist Mary Wehner has spent the majority of her life in Fond du Lac.  Mary primarily focuses on abstract painting and poetry.  She regards herself as a storyteller.  Mary’s work has been recognized by numerous exhibits and awards.  In addition to her own work, Mary treasures mentoring young local artists.  She enjoys seeing them succeed.  Mary finds inspiration for art and life in Buddhism and music.  In fact, Mary loves driving around the Holyland with the car radio blaring music.  She has a passion for Jazz.  Mary strives to take herself less seriously and to find joy in every moment.

If there ever was such a thing as a true Renaissance woman, Mary is it.  Throughout her life, Mary has reinvented herself and undergone many transformations.  As a young woman, Mary trained and worked as a nurse.  Embracing her enterprising spirit, Mary then owned and managed a restaurant.  Next, she owned and operated a bookstore.  Mary leads with creativity and grace.  Always looking ahead, Mary continues to reinvent herself.   Her most recent transformation has seen her fully embrace her work as an artist.

Mary wishes to contribute to a just, open and welcoming Fond du Lac for people of all backgrounds.  This includes advocating for the arts and the community.  Putting her beliefs into action, Mary helped establish a center for art in Fond du Lac, now the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts.  Mary believes that it is our moral duty to treat all fellow humans with kindness.  She hopes that the Fond du Lac community will embrace newcomers and value their contributions.  Mary believes in focusing on the present moment.  She encourages others to live without regrets and to enjoy what they are doing.

- Written by Juliane Troicki of Illuminating Project